FOUR REVIEWS
BY JOE GINDER

Social Justice Handbook:
Small Steps from a Better World
by Mae Elise Cannon

Welcoming Justice:
God’s Movement Toward Beloved Community
by Charles Marsh & John Perkins

Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life:
Rethinking Ministry to the Poor
by Robert D. Lupton

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate
Poverty without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself
by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert

A brief introduction to each of the four books:

These four books all approach the issue of social justice. However, they are intended for very different audiences.

Charles Marsh & John Perkins write to motivate. This book is intended as a call to Christians and churches to the social justice movement. It does this by telling stories and weaving a vision of the kingdom that Jesus announced. Because of this, it is also useful in gaining some historical appreciation.

Mae Elise Cannon writes to gather a wide range of useful information in one place so it can be used by those seeking to increase awareness of social justice issues in their typical American church. It is full of references to other resources, a veritable tour guide of the social justice landscape in America.

Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert write for those convinced they need to help the poor. It is a primer to convey best practice and ideas to practitioners in the hope that the same old mistakes everyone seems to make can be avoided. Read this book if you are getting involved in ministry to the poor.

Robert Lupton writes out of his decades of experience in community building in Atlanta. The lessons he has learned are invaluable. This book is useful for practitioners and decision makers. It is also useful for Christians who want to understand why urban communities are often not happy with churches and service providers for the poor that locate in their neighborhoods.